Cardrona Golf Club

Lothians

Par 71

6524 Yds

ABOUT
Set in a fabulous setting in Peebles which is just over 20 miles south of Edinburgh in the Borders and skirted by the River Tweed.

A new course, having been opened just 10 years ago, Cardrona is already highly thought of and is part of the Macdonald chain, so should you choose to play and stay, a luxurious bedroom awaits you after your round. There is also a spa, health club and swimming pool.

To give you an idea of the quality of the course, Cardrona was recently named in our Top GB Courses for Under £50 feature.

THE COURSE
It is hard to pin down the course to just one category, some holes have a moorland feel while others are more parkland.

Designed by Dave Thomas, a former Ryder Cup player and co-designer of The Brabazon at The Belfry with Peter Alliss, it can be stretched to over 7,000 yards though, thankfully, there are a number of teeing options.

The course certainly bears Thomas’ hallmarks, with plenty of big bunkers and large contoured greens with narrow entrances. Whichever tees you play off some stout hitting is required, though the setting alone will be enough to make your day.

Whichever tees you play off, some stout hitting is required though the setting alone will be enough to make your day.

CARD WRECKER
If one hole is going to live longest in the memory it is likely to be the 402-yard par 4 7th.

The drive needs to be straight and long with trees left and right and a burn that runs across the fairway.

A slightly shorter line is to take on the left side of the water. The hole then doglegs right and runs to a well-protected green.

BIRDIE CHANCE
The good news is you might have just got a shot back at the par-5 6th.

If the burn can be avoided from the tee there is the chance to reach in two if the wind is not in your face. That said, the green is sloping so eagles are hard to come by.